Biblical Word Etymology
The Etymology of “Idol”
The biblical word “Idol” traces back to Hebrew / Greek (pesel (Hebrew), eidolon (Greek)), where it meant “An image or carved representation of a god; an object of worship in pagan religion”. Across 3eras it evolved into the modern sense: “An image of a deity; figuratively, a person or thing excessively loved or revered”.
How the Meaning Evolved
Ancient Hebrew/Greek
Hebrew / Greekpesel (Hebrew), eidolon (Greek)An image or carved representation of a god; an object of worship in pagan religion
Hebrew pesel (H6459) from pasal (to carve, hew). Greek eidolon (G1497) from eidos (form, appearance). Both refer to forbidden graven images in Torah law (Exodus 20:4, Deuteronomy 27:15).
Medieval Latin / Church
LatinidolumA false god; any object receiving religious devotion instead of the true God
Latin idolum from Greek eidolon. Church theology broadly applied 'idol' to any misdirected worship, including venerated saints (contested) and earthly powers.
Modern English
EnglishidolAn image of a deity; figuratively, a person or thing excessively loved or revered
From Old French and Latin. Modern usage extends to celebrity worship and any object of excessive devotion; biblical sense emphasizes false gods.